The 8 Best Spanish Islands for Families [2023]

Planning a holiday to Spain with kids? Wondering which are the best Spanish islands to visit with kids?

I’ve spent many a family holiday exploring the beautiful Spanish islands and discovering the best areas to stay for families, as well as a vast range of family activities. Although most Spanish islands are perfect for visiting as a family, some islands are ultimately better than others.

This guide will take you through the best Spanish islands for kids, including the best Balearic islands for kids and the best of the Canary islands for kids, to determine which Spanish island to visit for your ultimate family holiday.

The Islands of Spain

The Spanish islands have long been popular with overseas tourists for the fabulous weather, clear seas, beautiful beaches, and fabulous Mediterranean cuisine. Two island groups form the Spanish islands:

The Balearic Islands are a group of four islands (Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera) located off the eastern coast of mainland Spain.

The Canary Islands lie South of Spain, just off the western coast of Africa. The island group comprises of seven main islands (Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro) all with their own unique charm.

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The Best Balearic Islands for families

Ibiza For Families

The island of Ibiza is located on the Western side of the Balearic Islands group, just two hours by ferry from Denia in Mainland Spain. After exploring the island extensively, I found that Ibiza’s Eastern coast is the main family side of Ibiza and the best place to stay for families with a huge host of family resorts and kid-friendly hotels.

The Best Family Areas In Ibiza

Es Cana is usually the cheapest option for a family holiday, and it’s one of the main resorts in Ibiza for all-inclusive family holidays. The resort features a long beach backed with beach bars and plenty of watersports. Visitors can walk to Cala Nova beach, a quieter family beach just around the coast from Es Cana.

Santa Eulalia

The town of Santa Eulalia is also popular with families. As the third-largest resort in Ibiza, there are plenty of options when it comes to hotels.

Santa Eulalia beach is fully accessible for strollers due to a huge wheelchair ramp installed from the promenade down to the beach. The sand has a consistency that’s easy to pull buggies along.

Once you’re on the beach, the secluded bay location makes the waters very calm and safe for kids to swim in. The waters are so calm that Santa Eulalia has become one of Ibiza’s main Yacht docks. You can take a walk around the bay and see how many luxury yachts you can spot.

If you’re up early with the kids or you just fancy an amazing experience, Santa Eulalia is located perfectly to view the notorious Ibiza sunrise.

I recommend staying in a beachfront location to be close to both the town and the beach. The beach is only a short walk away from the bus station to enable you to explore the rest of the island with ease.

Cala Llonga

Cala Llonga is a fabulous family beach located between Santa Eulalia and Ibiza town. The area has plenty of family-friendly shops, with hotels being positioned all around the beach.

Water taxis are a brilliant way to explore nearby destinations with kids. Boats run to Cala Llonga with Es Cana, Santa Eulalia, and Ibiza town.

San Antonio Bay

San Antonio Bay is also a good place for a family holiday in Ibiza. The area has picturesque views across San Antonio (the largest resort in Ibiza), popular with young clubbers.

However, although nearby, San Antonio Bay is quiet, and you have amazing Sunset views from most hotels lining the Bay.

I stayed in the Els Pins Resort and Spa, which featured a children’s playroom and a child-friendly eating area. Guests can choose between half board or bed and breakfast. The hotel has two pools overlooking San Antonio Bay as well as a small children’s play park.

Kids will love exploring the San Antonio Bay area with a wealth of souvenir shops. Water Taxis run into San Antonio and to the nearby family-friendly beaches of Cala Salada and Cala Conta.

Cala Gracio

Gracio is on the other side of San Antonio and features a small cove-like beach and a fabulous beach bar.

The Tanit hotel is a good choice of accommodation with amazing views of Cala Gracio beach and a private path down to the beach. You’ll also be in a prime location to see the Ibizan sunset.

Make sure you take a walk to the tiny neighbouring beach of Cala Gracionetta with picturesque clear waters (great for snorkelling) and a world-famous beach bar (Chiringuito).

Things to do in Ibiza with kids

One factor that makes Ibiza one of the best Spanish islands for families is the huge variety of family activities on offer. Es Cana is home to Ibizas hippy market, which has an amazing atmosphere and live music. Plenty of sellers have toys and gifts for kids, as well as a selection of handmade clothes.

The Aquamar water park is also a hit for families, located in the resort of Playa d’en Bossa, with a huge amount of slides to choose from.

Ibiza is a great place to do it with kids if you want to relive your partying days. The island is home to some of the best clubs in the world. One day a year, the outdoor party venues Ocean Beach opens its doors to kids with dancing, treasure hunts and cooking workshops to raise money for children with disabilities in Ibiza. Furthermore, Ibiza’s famous sunset strip is also family-friendly. Every night, famous DJs from all over the world play at Ibizas sunset bars of Café Mambo and Café Del Mar. You can either find a quiet place on the rocks to watch the sunset or book a table at one of the sunset bars. You can even book a boat trip for a more private family experience.

How to get to Ibiza

Ibiza airport is well connected to the rest of Europe. Budget flights can be booked from the UK with Ryanair and Easyjet. British Airways also fly from the UK to Ibiza. To reach Ibiza from outside of Europe, it’s best to fly to Spain and board a connecting flight to Ibiza. View the latest flight prices and availability + booking here.

Ibiza is well connected to the mainland, with regular ferries from Denia taking 2 hours. Regular services connect the neighbouring Balearic islands of Formentera and Majorca from Ibiza Town. View ferry prices and availability here.

Mallorca

Mallorca is the perfect island to base yourself for a family holiday in Spain. The island boasts 262 white sandy beaches, with 60 having been awarded the blue flag award. The waters are crystal clear and calm.

The best areas in Majorca for families

I stayed on the Eastern side of Mallorca at the Globales Bouganvilla hotel in the family-friendly resort of Sa Coma. The resort features a long beach, clear waters and plenty of opportunities to cycle or walk to the nearby towns of Cala Millor and S’illot.

If you’re looking for an exclusive family break in a quieter location, I recommend the resort of Alcudia.

I also loved Port de Soller. You can see luxury yachts, and the water is so clear that you can see the fish swimming around the harbour. Kids will love the Soller train, which climbs high into the Tramuntana mountains with fabulous views.

Palma de Mallorca for kids

If you’re looking for more of a city break destination, Palma, the capital city of Majorca, is a popular cruise port and right next to the airport. Palma is also one of the top 5 coastal cities in Spain to visit as a family. Kids will love the Palma Aquarium, which houses 700 different aquatic species, including sharks. There are loads of children’s parks dotted around the city for a quick play and a break from sightseeing. The highlight of a trip to Palma is the Basilica de Santa Maria, a stylish castle in central Palma. If you’re looking to do more sightseeing, the best ways to see it all with kids is on the hop-on-hop-off bus.

How To Get To Majorca

Regular flights connect Majorca to Mainland Spain. Many UK airlines run regular flights to the island, with significantly more running during the summer months. View & book cheap flights here.

A wide range of ferry routes connects Mallorca’s capital Palma with mainland Spain including ferries from Denia, Barcelona and Grandia. Ferries also run from Ibiza (Ibiza town and San Antonio) and Menorca (Mahon). View ferry timetables, prices and availability here.

Formentera For Families

Formentera is a small Caribbean like island just south of Ibiza with picturesque sandy beaches, clear waters, small towns to explore and a beautiful nature reserve. The island is an excellent place to get away from it all and spend time with the family. It’s definitely one of the best Spanish islands for a family holiday.

Hotels in Formentera can be expensive, so you can take a day trip from Ibiza to Formentera if you’re on a budget. It’s entirely child friendly as the boat only takes 30 minutes. Once you’re on the island, you can spend the day at one of the world-famous Caribbean-like beaches backed with beach bars for all the family’s needs.

How to get to Formentera

Although Formentera has no airport, the island is still relatively easy to reach. Regular ferries run from Ibiza town to Formentera and only take 30 mins. Ibiza town is only a 10-minute drive from Ibiza airport. It’s also possible to reach Formentera via direct ferry from mainland Spain. View ferry prices and availability here.

The best Spanish islands for families | Canary Islands

Fuerteventura For Families

Fuerteventura is the largest of the Canary Islands and is located on the Western edge of the island group not far from the African Coast. The island is popular for its surfing and watersports. The Northern Peninsula, especially Corralejo, are windy and great for watersports and riding a buggy over the sand dunes.

I stayed in Caleta de Fuste, a large family resort on the Western Coast with calm seas, a huge beach and plenty of shops. You can explore via bicycle or board the land train, which tours the resort. Many hotels have beachfront locations with large pools and family facilities.

I stayed at the Barceló Fuerteventura Thalasso Spa, which is located right on the beach with 2 outdoor pools and a huge host of family facilities and board options.

The best resort I visited in Fuerteventura is Jandia on the Southern coast of Fuerteventura. The seas are clear blue and ideal for swimming with a picture-perfect lighthouse and plenty of walking opportunities.

Things to do with kids in Fuerteventura

The island of Fuerteventura has plenty to do for families. My favourite activity was visiting Oasis wildlife Fuerteventura, a vast complex featuring an extensive cactus garden and hundreds of species. There are plenty of educational talks and shows throughout the day. Transport is free on a daily coach from most resorts.

Lobos Island

An ideal day trip from Fuerteventura for families is Lobos Island, which lies off the North-Eastern Coast. This tiny island has breathtaking landscapes and stunning views.

The best place on Lobos island to visit with kids is Playa de la Concha, a white-sand cove with perfectly calm waters due to its sheltered location.

How to get to Fuerteventura

The easiest way to get to Fuerteventura is by plane. El Matorral Airport is located on the northern coast of the island, 3km from the capital Puerto del Rosario. Cheap flights can be purchased with budget airlines Ryanair and Easyjet. Fuerteventura is a popular package holiday destination with many companies such as Tui including flights in the holiday price. View flight deals & availability here.

A ferry from Cadiz in mainland Spain run by Trasmediterranea sails to Fuerteventura once a week, taking over 38 hours. Regular ferries connect the Canar islands, with ferries running from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. View ferry prices and availability here.

Lanzarote For Families

Lanzarote is one of the most popular Spanish islands famous for its huge volcanic national park (Timanfaya), volcanic musical caves (Jameos del Aqua) and scenic beaches. There is a huge range of family-friendly activities in Lanzarote, so you’ll be spoilt for choice both with beaches and attractions.

Where to Stay in Lanzarote

There is a wide range of resorts to choose from in Lanzarote. All of them have good links between the historical sights of Lanzarote if you fancy some exploring.

The main family resorts are Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, and Playa Blanca.

Things to do in Lanzarote with kids

Timanfaya National Park

This 30km park is a rich volcanic landscape that kids will love. You’ll see dramatic volcanic cones, lava flow remains and little evidence of plants or wildlife.

Access to the park is usually with a tour, but you can also drive yourself with a hire car. You can view hire car prices and availability here. If the kids are slightly older, camel rides are offered near the entrance for a unique view of the park.

Aquapark Costa Teguise

This huge water park has something for kids of all ages, from shallow pools and toddler slides to fast-paced rides on the black hole and the hydro tub. There is a huge range of non-water activities seasonally, such as paintballing and electric car riding, to keep everyone entertained all day.

How to get to Lanzarote

Regular flights are fun from a huge range of European cities direct to Lanzarote. During peak season, many tour companies such as TUI run their own flights to the island. View cheap flights and availability here.

Regular ferries also connect Lanzarote with the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. View ferry timetables, prices & availability here.

Gran Canaria For Families

By Darek & Gosia | darekandgosia.com

The sunny Spanish island of Gran Canaria is the perfect place to spend an unforgettable family vacation.

Due to the huge variety of fauna and flora, this beautiful Canary Islands is often called a “continent in miniature”. You will see here volcanoes, dunes, pine forests and tropical vegetation. There are also large tourist centres which can be enjoyed throughout the year thanks to the beautiful weather – it really is a perfect place for a family holiday.

The biggest attractions of Gran Canaria are its beaches – always clean and safe. There is about 60 km in total, so everyone can find something for themselves. Many holiday resorts have been created near the beaches, offering accommodation for families to a high standard and many attractions. Worth visiting are both the most popular beaches with well-developed infrastructures, such as Maspalomas. DAHLIA Palmeral Oasis is one of the best places to stay in this part of Gran Canaria.

Things to do and See in Gran Canaria For Families

If you are looking for something a bit calmer, Amadores and Puerto de Mogan will be a great choice. Both have sand imported from Sahara, which makes them look stunning. Ura Nido del Águila, overlooking Puerto Rico, is a top pick by families with children.

If your family is hiking, you can see some amazing rock formations here, like the 60 m high Roque Nublo. There are also caves of Artenara and Cueva Pintada with rock paintings from the time of the Guanches (the indigenous population of the island) – a fascinating place to explore for your kids!

In the area of Maspalomas, you need to visit the dunes reserve of Dunas de Maspalomas and Palmitos Park – a zoo with many species of animals like colourful parrots, dolphins, butterflies, and butterflies many more. Some of the tourist offices also offer organized camel tours.

Gran Canaria is also full of theme parks. You can play in several aquaparks with dozens of attractions – Ocean Park and Aqualand in Maspalomas or Atlantida in Puerto Rico. If you fancy something different, you can see over 200 crocodiles at Cocodrilo Park in Aguimes.

How to get to Gran Canaria

Cheap flights can be booked to Gran Canaria Las Palmas airport with budget airlines Easyjet and Ryanair. British Airways and Norwegian Airways also fly direct from the UK. If you’re thinking of booking a package holiday, then Jet2 and TUI also fly to Gran Canaria. View cheap flights and availability here.

A huge variety of ferry routes between the Canary islands operate from Gran Canaria. The main ferry companies operating are Fred Olsen Express and Trasmediterranea. Two ferry routes operate from Gran Canaria to Spain – Las Palmas to Cadiz and Las Palmas to Huelva. The crossing will take between 43 and 46 hours. View ferry timetables, prices and availability here.

Tenerife For Families

Submitted by Paulina, paulinaontheroad.com

One of the best islands to visit in Spain for families is Tenerife, without any doubt. First, it is straightforward to reach since it is connected to most European airports. In less than 3h flight, you can reach this beautiful Canarian island.

Another great thing about Tenerife is that it holds spectacular natural wonders and gorgeous beaches, making it suitable for family travellers who love the outdoors. Even though you won’t climb Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, you can still drive around or walk near the volcano. No kid will remain indifferent in front of these spectacular views that remind you of Star Wars.

If you and your family love beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Tenerife. I recommend the beaches near Los Gigantes and Puerto Santiago for families, such as Playa Guios or Playa La Arena. The currents and waves are not very strong; thus, you can easily spend the entire day here.

Another great thing about Tenerife is that it holds several fabulous amusement parks such as the legendary Siam Park or the Loro Park. They are perfect for spending the day in a fun way.
If you are looking for a place to stay with your family, I recommend Adrian Hotels Roca Nivaria. It has plenty of swimming pools that promise great fun. There are also paddle courts, tennis courts, archery facilities awaiting your extra-large family rooms. No wonder it is often considered one of the best family resorts in Tenerife.

How to get to Tenerife

Cheap flights can be booked to Tenerife with budget airlines Easyjet and Ryanair. British Airways and Norwegian Airways also fly direct from the UK. If you’re thinking of booking a package holiday, then Jet2 and TUI also fly to Tenerife. View cheap flights and availability here.

A huge variety of ferry routes between the Canary islands operate from Tenerife. The main ferry companies operating are FRS, ARMAS, Fred Olsen and Transmediterrania. Tenerife has two main ports which serve all of the main neighbouring islands.

The port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is located on the north side of the island with ferries mainly running to Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Huelva, Lanzarote. Cadiz. Los Cristianos port in the south mostly serves La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma.

Ferries from Huelva in mainland Spain take 31-33 hours to reach the port of Las Palmas in Tenerife. View ferry timetables, prices and availability here.

Want to travel to mainland Spain? Check out this guide to Barcelona